NRL blames RLPA for forum turnout - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

NRL blames RLPA for forum turnout

By Todd Balym 08/05/2007 07:05:41 PM Comments (0)

NRL chief executive David Gallop said it wasn't his fault many players were unable to attend Wednesday's forum to discuss the game's financial position.

Some NRL clubs are understood to be upset about the timing of the meeting at Coogee, with players forced to ask coaches for special leave from training just to attend because it is being held from 10am to midday.

Bulldog Willie Mason, who led the charge for the NRL to open their books to players after requesting a raise in the salary cap, has been excused from training so he could attend with Mark O'Meley and skipper Andrew Ryan.

Gallop said Rugby League Professionals Association (RLPA) president Matthew Rodwell was responsible for organising the forum and the NRL boss was disappointed the player turnout was going to be less than expected.

"You need to ask Matt Rodwell (about timing). We were guided by him as to when he wanted to have it," said Gallop.

"Unfortunately they've struggled a little bit with confirming numbers which is a bit frustrating. I understand that we are now going to have a good group turnout."

Rodwell did not immediately return phone calls from AAP.

Gallop, however, is confident the forum will end the misconception amongst players the NRL is flowing with revenue after signing a $90 million six-year sponsorship deal with Telstra.

He hopes a mediation meeting with Telstra early on Wednesday will end the impasse over unpaid sponsorship after the NRL last week launched legal action against their major sponsor.

At the forum Gallop will show a complete financial rundown and compare salaries with the AFL, highlighting that NRL footballers receive four per cent more from the game's total revenue than AFL players.

"It's a pretty simple formula, we are just going to show them what money comes in and how it's spent," said Gallop.

"We have been through the presentation with the RLPA financial advisor the last few days so that he is comfortable with what we are presenting as well.

"We are keen to show them some comparisons around percentage income earned by players in rugby league compared to the AFL because the percentages are in favour of rugby league players.

"They earn about 26 per cent of the game's revenue compared to about 22 per cent in the AFL."

Gallop said he would also remind players of the importance of the RLPA.

"They need to understand that Matt Rodwell is their representative and the process is pretty pointless unless he is empowered to negotiate on their behalf," he said.

"But we are perfectly comfortable with making a presentation to a broader group."

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